KOA Owner Testifies During D.C. Hearings

Scott Bacher, owner of the Carlsbad (N.M.) KOA campground, was one of a panel of experts called to testify Tuesday (April 27) in Washington, D.C., during a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

The committee is looking into ways to better promote the National Parks as tourism destinations. Bacher, who owns the Carlsbad KOA with his wife, Susan, spoke of the relationships developed between National Parks and Monuments and private vendors, such as campgrounds.

Bacher appeared at the request of Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.

Along with Bacher, the panel at the hearing included filmmaker Ken Burns, well known for his recent National Parks documentary; Michael Ward, superintendent of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota; Diane Shober, Travel and Tourism director for the State of Wyoming; Will Shafroth, deputy assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks with the U.S. Department of the Interior; and renowned wildlife and scenic photographer Clyde Butcher.